Set Screws

{ Definition,uses and Explanation of set screws

Definition:
A set screw is a type of screw generally used to secure an
object within or against another object. The most common
examples are securing a pulley or gear to a shaft. Set screws
are generally headless, meaning the screw is fully threaded
and has no head sticking out past the diameter of the screw
thread.
Uses:
 A set screw, also known as a blind screw or a
grub screw, is a type of screw generally used as
a detent to secure an object within or against
another object, usually without using a nut The
most common examples are securing a pulley
or gear to a shaft.
Explanation and
mechanism:
A set screw is usually used with a collar to

restrict the thrust action on the shaft. The
clamping force that the set screw exerts is
actually due to the frictional resistance of the
contacting portions of the collar and shaft as
well as any slight penetration of the setscrew
into the shaft. This resistance is called as the
holding power.
Point Tips:
 Set screws appear with a variety of tip (point)
types. The different shaped tips have different
properties that engineers can utilize. If an
engineer were to use a detent to ensure proper
nesting of the screw, they might choose to use a
cone point type of screw. One might often need
to use a flat point when the screw must press
perfectly flat against a surface. Common points
include the following:
 Flat point
 Domed point
 Cone point
 Cup point
 Extended point (pilot point, dog point)
 Knurled cup point
Factor of safety and length:

Typical factor of safety values range

from 1.5 to 2

Length of set screws is usually half of

the shaft diameter.